A living nativity display in Utah has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest nativity in the world, with 1,039 people taking part in the display that was presented to the city of Provo Monday evening. Volunteers and YouTube stars played roles like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and numerous angels.

At the height of a refugee crisis, the Arabic version of the popular Trans World Radio program Women of Hope is being aired in prime time on a popular FM station in the heart of the Middle East, TWR announced Wednesday.

Starting this month, Laki Raja, which is the Arabic name of Women of Hope, is being broadcast free of charge four times a week by a widely heard station in Lebanon. The broadcasts reach listeners in that country as well as in Syria and Palestine.

"This is a new initiative in TWR's history," reported TWR's Arabic Ministry director, whose name is withheld for security reasons. "With many Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Lebanon, this comes as an amazing opportunity to share the Gospel with the women who have lost their homes, husbands, and sometimes children, too, and who are in desperate need of hearing a message of hope!" more >>

Rob Bell, former megachurch pastor and bestselling author, will finally have his new self-help show premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network next month, just a few days before Christmas.

A press release from OWN claims that on "The Rob Bell Show," the Christian author "shines a bright light on the topics we most want to talk about but don't know where to begin."

"The special focuses on the universal desire to create a life of meaning, hope, and joy –- making peace with your past, living and thriving in the present right here, right now," adds the press release. "Whether you're spiritual, cynical, religious, or not quite sure, Rob invites you into the questions, wrestling with what it all means and why we find spiritual topics so fascinating." more >>

Events sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, which takes place on Saturday, include the release of the organization's new documentary and Saddleback Church co-founder Kay Warren sharing her testimony, both available during webcasts.

"International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day can change your life," says AFSP. "It's the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather around the world at events in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope."

For many loss survivors, attending a Survivor Day event is the first time they realize they are not alone, say organizers. "Just hearing the stories—from people at all stages of healing—can be helpful," AFSP states. "The gathering also provides participants with a chance to share their own stories with those who understand firsthand the challenges of living in the aftermath of a suicide loss." more >>

The head of the Roman Catholic Church declared during a conference on Monday that marriage is by definition a union of man and woman, defying past claims by some that the Church was considering a change in its views on same-sex unions and sexuality.

Pope Francis remarks came during an address before a Church group known as a Colloquium in which he spoke about the need for strong families and to recognize "man and woman" as the "root of marriage and family."

"It is fitting that you have gathered here in this international colloquium to explore the complementarity of man and woman," stated the pontiff. "This complementarity is at the root of marriage and family, which is the first school where we learn to appreciate our own and others' gifts, and where we begin to acquire the arts of living together." more >>